Church History

By
Wynand Smit

Assignment 2
The3125: Church Histroy
Bachelor of Theology
South African Theological Seminary

2017-04-24

Assessor: Robert Brodie

By submitting this work to the South African Theological Seminary (SATS), I hereby
declare that it is my own work, that nobody did it for me, and that I did not copy any
of it from anyone else. I cited all sources such as books, journals and websites. I
understand and accept that if this declaration is proved to be false, I will
automatically fail the course and be subject to disciplinary action by SATS.
Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................ 3

1. The Age of Reason and Revival AD 1648-1789.................................................. 3

1.1 Pietism .......................................................................................................... 3

1.2 Methodism..................................................................................................... 4

1.3 Methodist churches ....................................................................................... 5

1.4 Baptists ......................................................................................................... 6

1.5 John Wesley.................................................................................................. 7

1.6 Jonathan Edwards ........................................................................................ 8

2. The Age of Progress AD ..................................................................................... 8

2.1 William Carey ................................................................................................ 8

2.2 Charles Finney .............................................................................................. 9

3. The Age of Ideologies ....................................................................................... 10

3.1 The Pentecostals ........................................................................................ 10

3.2 Charismatic movement ............................................................................... 11

3.3 Assemblies of God ...................................................................................... 12

3.4 American Pentecost ................................................................................... 13

Conclusion ............................................................................................................... 13

Works Cited .............................................................................................................. 15

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Introduction
This assignment will be a short summery of church history between AD 1649 and the
21st century. I will discuss topics such as Pietism, Methodism, but also Methodist
Churches, and Baptists. Followed up by a summary of people such as John Wesley
and Jonathan Edwards, William Carey and Charles Finney. But also I will end a
discussion based on Church movements such as the Pentecostals, and Charismatic
movement, but also Assemblies of God, and American Pentecost.

The aim of this assignment is to understand how important people shaped church
history, and how influential movements and denominations affected church history.
But also to apply lessons that we can learn from Church History.

I will use scholars such as Shelley B L, Wainwright G, Blumhofer EL Schutz E

and Gaustad ES, and many more to achieve my goal.

1. The Age of Reason and Revival AD

1.1 Pietism

According to Shelley (1982: 345-349), Philip Spener (1635-1705) was known as the
founder of Pietism. The birth of Pietism started through weekly house meetings that
contained Bible study and theological discussions. We can learn from this birth
process that we need to have compassion based on the condition of a town when we
want to start a new movement, because this was the trigger of Spener to start
Pietism.

Shelley (1982: 345-349) confirmed that It is clear that we can observe that Pietism
had an enormous contribution, not only to the German Christians and people, but
Pietism had its influence in the global church as well.

Shelley (1982: 345-349) made the statement that we can learn from Philip Spender
that uncompromising preaching will bring us to trouble with the authorities. It is also
clear that his two important characteristics was wisdom and humility.

Shelley (1982: 345-349) said the second leader of Pietism was known as Count von
Zinzendorf (1700-1760). We can learn from him that ardent and emotional are two
elements that a leader need to have to influence people.

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Shelley (1982: 345-349) claimed that Zinzendorf was known for a man who had a
character of light and its shadow. We can also learn from him that our emotional
hymns, can make an impact in church worship.

Shelley (1982: 345-349) ended by saying tt is clear that evangelicals inherited two
important characteristics from the Pietism movement, firstly known as the fact that
emotions played a vivid role in this movement. It is also clear that the reason was
endangered. It is also stated that in this movement faith was known as an emotion.
Secondly because of Pietism the official church could be established. Because of
two men that birthed a new movement, two leaders was born in this movement
known as John Wesley and George Whitefield.

1.2 Methodism

According to Wainwright (2003:506-509) the founders of this movement was known

as the two brothers, John Wesley (1703–91) and Charles Wesley (1707–88).

Wainwright (2003:506-509) confirmed that because of the British missionaries, in the

19th century. Methodism could be expanded to countries such as Africa, India, and
China, Australia, South Africa, and Canada.

Wainwright (2003:506-509) made t clear that in Methodism we should know that

small groups is a crucial element. The result of this is that these groups moved to
church meetings on a bigger scale where intimate forms of fellowship, was no longer
an element. Because of the need of closer contact in faith and life, small groups
could still carry on.

Wainwright (2003:506-509) given that leitourgia, was another element in this

movement. This included elements such as worship, prayer and Holy Communion.
The Lord’s supper was an element, that could be held on every Lord’s day. It is also
clear that most Church dominations inherited elements from Methodism such as love
feasts, watch nights but also an annual service. It is also important to know that
evangelism is an important aspect that was birthed through Methodism. Loving
people was also another element that was birthed through Methodism.

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Wainwright (2003:506-509) given that Methodism also explained that a church need
to have three main doctrines known as justification through faith in Jesus Christ,
secondly repentance of faith and holiness, and lastly the fact that only Jesus Christ
can redeem humanity from sin.

Wainwright (2003:506-509) explained is clear that we can observe that there are
four doctrinal norms, that played a role in Methodism, known as the Holy Scripture,
Church Tradition, and Experience but also Experience.

Wainwright (2003:506-509) concluded that Because of John Wesley, Ecumenical

Spirit was established, through the fact that different church members of doctrines
and congregations could build relationship with each other, so that cooperation could
take place.

1.3 Methodist churches

Hale (2003:509-514) stated that John Wesley (1703–91) and Charles Wesley
(1707–88), was known as the founders of Methodism, it is now clear that we can
take note they are both the founders of the Methodist churches. Because of the
failure that happened we can observe the fact that the brothers moved back to
England, where a great revival broken out in England and then had a ripple effect to
the rest of the world. But also the result of this was that Charles Wesley, became the
greatest hymnist, and produced over 6000 hymns.

Hale (2003:509-514) explained because of John Wesley, ecclesial groups could be

developed in England. However also clear on the fact that Methodist Episcopal
Church in America could be established. Methodism grown to a number of over 15
million people.

Hale (2003:509-514) confirmed doctrine and Church Life, was another three
elements that had an influence in the global church now and the Methodist church.
Common Foundations is the first aspect of this, concerning the fact that Christians
have power over evil, and believe in the return of Jesus Christ, and lastly believe that
the Holy Spirit is still active. But also Methodists see themselves part of the universal
church. Another doctrine that was birthed in the Methodist church movement, was
the fact that justification and reconciliation with God comes by faith in Jesus Christ.

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It is also clear that repentance of salvation need to lead believers to a place of
Christian mission and to service in the world, by meaning colleges, universities,
theological schools, homes for children and the aging, hospitals need to be
established.

Hale (2003:509-514) concluded that is also clear and important to understand if a

new movement is created there need to be a biblical sermons and a biblical
commentary, need to be provided to understand the Bible better.

1.4 Baptists

Schutz and Gaustad (2003:197-200) explained that It is clear that the Baptist church,
was birthed out of Congregationalism. It recorded that because of persecution the
Baptists started a church in Holland. The founder of that church is J. Smyth (ca.
1554–1612). Few years later T. Helwys (ca. 1550-ca. 1616), returned to England
and started another Baptist church there.

Schutz and Gaustad (2003:197-200) confrimed The Baptist World Alliance was
founded in 1905. 146,000 was the amount of members that attended the Baptist
church.

Schutz and Gaustad (2003:197-200) given that, the Baptist believe that the Bible is
the only rule of faith, and how faith should be practiced. It is also clear that the
church of Jesus Christ is known as the church. Regeneration is also an important
aspect. Baptist also believe that Baptism can only come through faith in the word of
God, it is also clear that all believers are important for this movement. Baptists also
believe that every church belong to the body of Christ.

Schutz and Gaustad (2003:197-200) confirmed the separation of church and state, is
important for the Baptists, so that religious freedom can take place. The Baptist
believe that only God can be the judge of people. Missions and evangelism, is one of
the most important tasks for the Baptist churches and induvial believers.

According to Schutz and Gaustad (2003:197-200), Christian education, is another

sphere that is important for the Baptists believers. The focus of this is also
evangelism but that the present growing generation need to become aware of

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Christianity. Baptist also believe that worship is the heart of the church, that lead to
preaching and employs. For Baptists it is important to partner and build relationship
with other doctrines and beliefs in Christianity. Lower and middle class people, is
their target, for discipleship, but also good leadership is important.

1.5 John Wesley

According to Comfort (1997) John Wesley (1703–1791) was known as an evangelist;

theologian; cofounder of Methodism. The place of birth was Epworth, Lincolnshire,
England. Wesley was raised in piety and Puritan discipline. Charterhouse School,
London and Christ Church was the place of education that Wesley adapted. We can
see based on the life of Wesley that Bible study, communion, and prayer was a daily
practice. Christian perfection but also witness of the Spirit was the two doctrines that
has been developed through Wesley.

Comfort (1997) explained, a characteristic that we can learn from Wesley is to

faithfully serve, concerning to what God has given us to do. John Wesley also failed
in Georgia, but he explained that his experience was important to his future career.
So basically we learn here that our failures is important to see as a learn curfew.
Because of the fact that Wesley was influenced by Luther’s commentaries, we can
learn that reading commentaries prepare us for meetings and sermons. But also our
doctrine need to influence us and people from the foundation that justification can
only come through faith in Jesus Christ. It is also important to learn from Wesley that
the truth of the gospel need to be preach like he did. We also see in the life of the
Wesley brothers that enthusiasm, can close doors for ministry. We can also learn,
that if we want to be favored by God, we will travel a lot, but also tireless and
incessant activity can change the face of society, and the nature of its religion.

Comfort (1997), also given that Wesley followed his brother and George Whitefield,
for mentoring in different aspects. It is clear that organization is also an ability that
preachers need to have like Wesley. We learn also from Wesley it is important to
have good manners.

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1.6 Jonathan Edwards

Mitchell (1997) claimed the reason, why many scholars favour Edwards is based on
the fact that he was known as the sheer genius. This figure was also known as the
New England icon, as his followers gave him the title. Edwards was also known for
being preoccupied with the centrality of God, but also he was an elitist. He had also
the skill to write, comprehensive introductions. Edwards was known as a scientist
and a philosopher as well as a theologian, of his day. Because of the hell-fire
sermon, that Edwards preached the middle classes could be freed from their Puritan
past.

Mitchell (1997) confirmed, another characteristic that we can learn from Edwards is
that he was not influenced much by the post-revolutionary world. Also we can learn
that a biblical foundation was the core element for Edwards. Most of the reflections
that Edwards made was birthed from a place where he could feel and see things.

Mitchell (1997) because of the Religious Affections of Edwards, people could

understand the truth from false religious experiences. We can also learn that
scientific and philosophical views are important aspects to use like Edwards did to
understand the spiritual and material phenomena relationship of each other.

Mitchell (1997) explained, that we can learn from Edwards as well that it is important,
to adopt ministry styles from other movements like he did from the unadorned
Puritan forms. One of the characteristics that we can adopt from Edwards is to have
logical clarity. Edwards was also influenced by the view that Augustine had on
civilization, this caused him to understand the mundane short-sightedness of every
age. We can also be clear, a prime characteristic that each Christian like Edwards
need to have short-sightedness, nevertheless as a vision.

2. The Age of Progress AD

2.1 William Carey

Fackler (1997) explained that William Carey (1761–1834) was known to be a

missionary in India; linguist and agriculturist. He was also known as the ‘father of

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modern missions’, he had the vision of taking the gospel to every single person that
did not heard the gospel before.

Fackler (1997) claimed that Cary had also a heart of understanding languages
better, so he mastered Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, and Dutch. He was also
appointed by the Particular Baptists in 1787, where he began his missionary calling.
In 1792, Baptist Missionary Society was established.

Fackler (1997) concluded that we can learn from Cary it is important to take hands
with others as he did with William Ward and Joshua Marshman. Because of these
three working together 26 churches and 126 schools could be established, but also
in 44 languages the scripture could be translated. Because of the fact that the Bible
was translated into Sanskrit, the first Hindu could be converted. Because of Cary
other mission boards could be established, because of Cary, the entire Christian
world, could be able to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

2.2 Charles Finney

Rosell (1997) explained that Charles Finney was known as the modern revivalism
father, he was born in 1792 and died in 1875. In 1821, Finney became a follower of
Jesus Christ, and confessed that Jesus is his Lord and Savior. After his conversion
Finney started studying theology with George Gale. In 1823 Finney was licensed to
preach but in 1824, he became a pastor. Through his preaching a few revivals broke
out, in the area of Jefferson and St. Lawrence.

Rosell (1997) confirmed in 1825, Finney made an influence in Western, Troy, Utica,
Rome, and Auburn. The “Western Revivals”, was the key for Finney to have fame.
Finney also favor woman to pray in public. Between the years 1827 and 1832, the
Holy Spirit through Finney revivals broke out in cities such as New York,
Philadelphia, Boston, and Rochester.

Rosell (1997) concluded concerning in the year 1835, Finney become a professor of
theology, and founded Oberlin Collegiate Institute in Ohio. Finney also had the
presidential title of this institute between 1851–1866. Finney also led people to
repentance that changed their heart and through this people became daily
Christians. Finney also founded the millennial kingdom of God. He had also the skill

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to write books, sermons, and articles. Through this he focused on revival, systematic
theology.

3. The Age of Ideologies

3.1 The Pentecostals

According to Harper (1986) based on the recorded history concerning the

Pentecostal movement, this started when the Bible college student Agnes Ozman,
asked her teacher Charles Parham, to lay hands on her to receive the Holy Spirit, so
that she can speak in tongues and this is how the Pentecostal movement began. In
1906 around 1000 people, had this experience where all could speak in tongues.
Because of the Asuza street revival in 1906, the Welsh Revival could take place.
This lead then that the Pentecostal movement, could now be spread to every part of
the world.

Harper (1986) explained the focus of the Pentecostals, was more focused on
‘experience’ than ‘doctrine’. Through this the weakness, of divisions among the
Christians started rather than unity.

Harper (1986) confirmed another positive element, in this movement is known by the
fact that we can observe through the establishment of dominations George and
Stephen Jeffreys become one of the most effective evangelists at that time.

Harper (1986) given that the Pentecostals, favoured evangelism as the primary tasks
for all believers. Those who preached the gospel, claimed that Jesus can bring
physical healing, and spiritual deliverance as well as salvation from sin, meaning to
be justified by grace through faith. One of the strong focuses on the Pentecostals
was the fact that the supernatural was a main focus. Figures like George Jeffreys,
Smith Wigglesworth and Oral Roberts, Aimec Semple McPherson and Kathryn
Kuhlman, where known as the main evangelists of the Pentecostal movement.
Healing was the key for success in this movement.

Harper (1986) concluded the Pentecostals, had a view about the Holy Spirit
concerning that the purpose was to bring 'power for service', and secondly to speak
in tongues, to make worship more affective. One of the three main experiences of

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the Pentecostals was salvation, holiness and the baptism in the Holy Spirit. In
conclusion concerning the Pentecostals, we can observe that Roman Catholics are
more attracted to the Pentecostals than the Protestants, to the Pentecostals. The
important role of the Pentecostal movement though is to bring life back to the
Catholic and Protestant strands.

3.2 Charismatic movement

According to Hocken (2003:404-408), the whole idea of the Charismatic movement,

is birthed from the scripture 1 Corinthians 12:8–10. The term Charismatic was
formed by H. Bredesen and J. Stone.

The three major strands, of the Charismatic movement could be distinguished,

through the renewal in the historic Protestant churches, secondly a renewal that
happened in the Roman Catholic Church, and lastly a renewal that happened in the
independent sector, stated Hocken (2003:404-408).

Hocken (2003:404-408) explained that in the early 1950s, prayer was a key element
with this movement, where congregations prayed together for revivals to happen.
The Book of Acts, was also a very popular book that was being studied in that time.
Elements that was used in the Charismatic church, to gather people together was
known as vocal praise, lengthy preaching or teaching, personal testimonies, and
personal ministry. But also what is the role of prophecy in the church now? Thirdly
tensions of distorted messages concerning healing started to be developed and
prosperity teachings that is being thought. The fourth aspect is known as
Demonology, based on the question how can a born-again Christian be tormented
by demons

Hocken (2003:404-408) confirmed we can learn from the start of the Charismatic
movement, that significant influence on church life was a big issue. We can also be
aware of four different issues that raise tension in this movement, known as:
Differences of vision firstly, the main question was should historic churches be
renewed, or should new churches be built. Secondly regarding the question that
need to be asked is based on can the doctrine be a biblical narrative as well as the
teaching?

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We can learn from this history that the Roman Catholic Church, accepted the
Charismatic movement much more than the Pentecostals, according to Hocken
(2003:404-408).

3.3 Assemblies of God

According to Blumhofer (2003:143-146), it is clear that the Assemblies of God, was

birthed from people that associate themselves with the Pentecostal movement. One
of the focuses in this movement was based on the fact that it was the intention of the
members in these movements to discountenance, but also to make fun of the
distorted doctrines that went around in the church.

Blumhofer (2003:143-146) confirmed, based on the Assemblies of God movement,

their hard was to fund and support missionaries financially, to grow the mission
program.

Blumhofer (2003:143-146) explained concerning in the mid-1990s, we can learn that

generosity is a big benefit to support other ministries, because of this considerable
presence could be gained by the Assemblies of God.

Blumhofer (2003:143-146) given based on Institutions and Polity, 18 educational

institutions could now be supported by this movement. This include to support
aspects such as ministry training institutes and Bible collages. Also clear that
Assemblies of God is organized into 57 districts. Through this leadership, an every
two year meeting is organized by the ordained ministers of this movement to discuss
improvements and celebrate achievements.

According to Blumhofer (2003:143-146) based on the role of woman, in this

movement since 1935, woman could be seen as an ordained pastor, to have a voice
and influence in the body of Christ. But this lead to another aspect that woman is not
allowed to serve on the government board. Also included that in this movement
woman are not allowed to serve as deacons. However in the local congregations,
woman is allowed to use their spiritual gifts to minister to people and in church
programs.

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Also clear that in the later development of this movement urban outreach programs,
was established. Concerning the growth the general view of success, was also
influenced. Because of the Pentecostal movement, the Assemblies of God grew, in
larger numbers, stated Blumhofer (2003:143-146).

3.4 American Pentecost

Olsen (1998) given that Charles Fox Parham, was known as the founder for this
movement. This movement, was known as the Holiness, healing and the possibility
of speaking in tongues, movement. With the belief of this movement, Parham was
convinced that sanctification, came after conversion. Another belief of this movement
was the baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire. Parham was also known as a latter-
day Elijah.

According to Olsen (1998), Parham also founded a Bible school in 1900. Parham
also believed, part of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, was to strengthen the church to
speak in other worldly languages to make evangelism more productive. The
missionaries that Parham had, was also influenced by the Asuza street revival.
Expectations for Parham was more important than rules. Parham also thought, that
tongues was the evidence of the Holy Spirit, once a person is baptised.

Olsen (1998) concluded that the 35-year-old Seymour, was known as the 20th
century leader of this movement. We can learn from Seymour that obedience is the
key to preach the gospel, through this Seymour was a blind in the one eye, a son of
a slave, but also had no education, and was not very skilled. We can also learn from
Seymour, how to handle criticism from newspapers and media.

Conclusion
In this assignment I have given a short summery of church history between AD 1649
and the 21st century.

I have discussed aspects of Church History such as Pietism, Methodism, but also
Methodist Churches, and Baptists. Followed up by a summary of people such as
John Wesley and Jonathan Edwards, William Carey and Charles Finney. But also a

13
discussion based on Church movements such as the Pentecostals, and Charismatic
movement, but also Assemblies of God, and American Pentecost.

The second part of Church history have impacted me by realising, the importance
that each domination have in the body of Christ, each domination or movement have
its strengths and weaknesses, and that we as believers should support each other
through our mistakes we make.

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Works Cited
Blumhofer EL 2003. Assemblies of God. In Fahlbusch E and Bromiley GW, The
encyclopedia of Christianity, (vols 1), 143-146. Grand Rapids, United States of
America: Eerdmans.

Comfort GA 1997. Wesley, John. In Douglas JD, and Comfort PW & D. Mitchell D,
Who's who in Christian history. Wheaton, United States of America: Tyndale House.

Fackler M 1997. Carey, William. In Douglas JD, and Comfort PW & D. Mitchell D,
Who's who in Christian history. Wheaton, United States of America: Tyndale House.

Hale J 2003. Methodist Churches. In Fahlbusch E and Bromiley GW, The

encyclopedia of Christianity, (vol. 3), 509-514. Grand Rapids, United States of
America: Eerdmans.

Hocken P 2003. Charismatic Movement. In Fahlbusch E and Bromiley GW, The

encyclopedia of Christianity, (vol. 3), 404-408. Grand Rapids, United States of
America: Eerdmans.

Harper M 1986. Releasing the Spirit: the Pentecostals. Online Article. Accessed from
www.ctlibrary.com, 2017-04-16.

Schutz E and Gaustad ES 2003. Baptists. In Fahlbusch E and Bromiley GW, The
encyclopedia of Christianity (vols 1), 197-200. Grand Rapids, United States of
America: Eerdmans, 2003

Shelley 1982. Church history in plain language. Dallas, United States of America:
Word Publishing.

Rosell GM 1997. Finney, Charles. In Douglas JD, and Comfort PW & D. Mitchell D,
Who's who in Christian history. Wheaton, United States of America: Tyndale House.

Mitchell C 1997. Edwards, Jonathan. In Douglas JD, and Comfort PW & D. Mitchell
D, Who's who in Christian history. Wheaton, United States of America: Tyndale
House.

Olsen T 1998. American Pentecost. Online Article. Accessed from

www.christianitytoday.com, 2017-04-19.

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Wainwright G 2003. Methodism. In Fahlbusch E and Bromiley GW, The
encyclopaedia of Christianity, (vol. 3),506-509. Grand Rapids, United States of
America: Eerdmans.

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